South Park has been shaking things up and cracking us up since 1997, but there’s way more going on than just raunchy jokes and wild plots. From edgy characters to game-changing deals, here are seven cool facts about the show that flipped comedy on its head.
So come on down to South Park, and meet some friends of mine!
- Mr. Hankey Almost Flushed South Park’s Future
Believe it or not, the beloved talking poo character, Mr. Hankey, nearly cost South Park its big break. When the creators pitched the series to FOX, the network balked at the idea of including such a bizarre character, claiming it would “stain [their] network.” Luckily, Comedy Central had no such reservations. They picked up the show, and South Park quickly became their highest-rated program, turning the network into one of the fastest-growing cable channels in the U.S. - Digital Rights That Made History
Trey Parker and Matt Stone didn’t just create a hit show; they revolutionized the way creators profit from their work. In 2007, they struck an ad-sharing deal with Comedy Central, securing a 50-50 split on all digital revenue. That decision paid off in a big way. By 2021, those rights helped them ink a $935 million, six-year deal—one of the largest contracts in TV history. - “Make Love, Not Warcraft” Almost Didn’t Air
Trey Parker was so nervous about the “Make Love, Not Warcraft” episode that he begged the show’s executive producer not to air it. He feared the parody of World of Warcraft would flop and damage South Park’s reputation. Instead, the episode became one of the show’s most celebrated, winning a Primetime Emmy Award and earning widespread critical acclaim. Sometimes, taking risks pays off in unexpected ways. - When South Park Made The Simpsons Laugh
South Park’s 2010 two-part episode “Cartoon Wars” famously took aim at Family Guy, sparking plenty of debate among fans of animated sitcoms. But one reaction stood out: the writing staff of The Simpsons loved the parody so much that they sent the South Park team flowers. It’s proof that even in a world of fierce competition, there’s room for mutual admiration. - Six Days to Air
One of South Park’s most unique qualities is its lightning-fast production schedule. Each episode is written, recorded, and animated in just six days. This rapid turnaround allows the show to tackle current events almost as they happen, keeping its satire sharp and relevant. - Timmy Stays in South Park
When Comedy Central initially expressed concerns about including Timmy, a mentally handicapped character, Matt Stone and Trey Parker fought back. They argued that the other children in the series treated Timmy just like anyone else, and that’s exactly how he should be portrayed. Their insistence paid off, and Timmy became one of the most beloved and memorable characters on the show. - The Scientology Episode That Needed a Disclaimer
South Park’s take on Scientology in the episode “Trapped in the Closet” was so spot-on that viewers thought it had to be satire. To clarify, the creators added a disclaimer: “This is what Scientologists actually believe.” The depiction of Xenu, the alien central to Scientology’s beliefs, was both hilarious and controversial, sparking outrage from the church and leading to one of the show’s most infamous episodes. It’s a perfect example of South Park’s fearless approach to storytelling.